Artemis II: A Canadian Astronaut’s Look at Risk, Purpose, and the Moon
As the countdown to Artemis II continues, Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen spoke candidly about fear, purpose, and the promise of deep-space exploration. In a question-and-answer session at the Canadian Space Agency headquarters in Longueuil, Quebec, Hansen—who hails from London, Ontario—addressed a group of curious Grade 5 and 6 students from St. Jude Elementary School on the Montreal South Shore. The 100-day milestone until launch loomed large, turning a routine school visit into a high-stakes preview of humanity’s next big step toward the Moon.
Facing the Unknown: Honesty About Fear and Confidence in Preparation
In response to questions about fear, Hansen offered a balanced view grounded in training and trust. “What helps me with that is that I have learned to trust myself and to trust others,” he said. He noted the absence of guarantees in spaceflight and reminded the students that even a mission with the best plans carries inherent risk. “You can die in space just like you can die here on Earth, but what I do believe is that we have been very smart about our approach.”
The crew of Artemis II—Hansen along with NASA veterans Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch—has trained for more than two years for a roughly 10-day loop around the Moon. They will travel aboard the Orion spacecraft named “Integrity,” with Canda’s role highlighted as a significant milestone in international space collaboration.
Artemis II: A Stepping-Stone Toward a Permanent Lunar Presence
Hansen underscored that Artemis II is “very much a stepping-stone to future missions.” The plan envisions Artemis III eventually landing astronauts on the Moon for the first time since Apollo 17, targeting the Moon’s South Pole after decades with no human footprints there. Additional missions, including Artemis IV, aim to begin assembling the Gateway lunar space station, a small outpost that would orbit the Moon and be equipped with Canadarm 3 robotics. This sequence positions Canada to contribute more deeply to human exploration beyond low Earth orbit.
Canada’s Role, Canadiarm, and International Collaboration
Hansen emphasized Canada’s earned seat at the table through ambition and vision. The country’s early robotic contributions, such as Canadarm, opened doors for Canadian astronauts to participate in NASA-led missions. He also pointed out the broader context of ongoing international cooperation, noting that the International Space Station marks 25 years of continuous human presence—a milestone celebrated from roughly 400 kilometers above Earth.
The Moon Versus Mars: The Challenge of Distance
Discussing the logistics of lunar exploration, Hansen explained that shuttling supplies to a spacecraft the size of a camper van creates tight constraints. The Moon’s distance is “a thousand times farther than the International Space Station,” he said, and Mars would be even farther still. The takeaway for students was clear: ambitious missions require careful planning, resilient systems, and a clear rationale for taking calculated risks in pursuit of long-term human goals.
Food, Safety, and Everyday Realities in Space
When a student asked about food logistics, Hansen kept the mood light but pointed to the seriousness of mission readiness: “If we get to space and the food’s not loaded, that was a big oversight and we’re in big trouble.” The practicalities—carrying essential supplies in a compact spacecraft—underscore the many behind-the-scenes decisions that ensure crew safety and mission success.
A Moment of Public Interest and Policy Support
The visit also featured Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, who spoke about Canada’s ongoing investment in space infrastructure and defense readiness. Joly highlighted the budgetary commitments aimed at health threats, climate-related disasters, and national security, framing space exploration as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country’s resilience and scientific leadership.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Launch Window
Artemis II could launch as early as February 2026, marking the first crewed mission for NASA’s Artemis program and the first Moon mission by astronauts since Apollo 17. Hansen would become the first non-American to travel beyond low Earth orbit, a historical milestone that reflects the era’s emphasis on international cooperation and shared exploration goals. As the crew continues training, students and the public alike can expect a steady stream of updates about testing, contingencies, and the mission’s progress toward its 10-day lunar loop.
Overall, Hansen framed Artemis II as bold but measured—an expedition grounded in meticulous preparation, collaborative spirit, and a shared belief that human beings push boundaries not to escape Earth, but to understand it better and unlock a future among the stars.
